This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center Sterile Processing Department supports direct patient care by ensuring proper reprocessing, maintenance, and storage of critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) throughout the medical center in compliance with nation and local policy and procedure. The Medical Supply Technician (MST) Quality Assurance for Sterile Processing is responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, and packaging of critical and semi-critical RMD in accordance with manufacturer's written instructions. The Advanced MST (Sterile Processing) GS-07, is an advanced level for the position. Incumbent performs MST activities including any and all the duties included in the functional statement of the MST 3,4,5, and 6 throughout the Medical Center during the assigned tour of duty. May receive guidance from more experienced staff members and may provide guidance to less experienced staff members but requires minimal direct supervision. Major Duties and Responsibilities for the GS-07 Advanced MST (Sterile Processing) include, but are not limited to: The Advanced MST is responsible for receiving contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices (RMD) in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Assesses the quality and quantity of work by performing second checks and reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of technical medical equipment, material, and instrumentation. Provides information to management officials concerning performance issues, assignment changes and task completion. The incumbent must have the ability to Instruct other SPS technicians in the use of all instruments and the sterilization of equipment including new or improved sterilization practices. Serves as a mentor and preceptor to new staff members. Participates in the training and development of new and existing staff members in the SPS department, teaches procedures, provides feedback, and signs competencies. The advanced technician will also be responsible for performing a variety of technical and clerical functions including assisting with quality assurance throughout the SPS. Inspects, assembles, and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. Incumbent has a clear understanding of the importance of reprocessing RMD according to manufacturer guidelines and the significant impact on the Veteran population through the risk of infectious disease. Achieves and maintains competency in all areas of SPS including the decontamination area, preparation and packaging, GI, and all equipment, instruments, and other SPS policies and procedures. Completely and thoroughly dissembles and positions all parts of complex technical RMD to ensure the removal of any debris, surgical soil and bioburdens prior to sterilization or high-level disinfection. Operates decontamination equipment such as washer decontaminators, ultrasonic washers, automatic endoscope reprocessors, equipment irrigators, laparoscopic insulation tester, automatic cart wash, and tube dryers, etc. Uses, interprets and records results from quality assurance monitors, i.e., Ruhof ATP Complete ATP tester system, All-Clean washer disinfector validation system, etc. Performs and validates all cleaning of instrumentation and RMD through the use of department SOPs, manufacturer's instructions for use guidelines, Medical Center Memorandums, and VA policies and directives, along with industry standards. Ensures SOPs and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of workflow. Participates in the SOP workgroup to review manufacturer's Instructions for Use of new and existing equipment, using it as a guideline to establish facility policy and procedures. Serve as a resource and subject matter expert that all personnel involved in the reprocessing of RMD are responsible for knowing what reusable instruments, equipment, medical devices, or supplies are used(inventory) in their clinical area. All other duties as assigned, pertaining to this occupation, to meet the needs of the Agency, Department, Facility, and/or Service. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 11:00am - 7:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Experience and/or Education (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or (2) Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation. (2) MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: GS-07 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) - Advanced Level Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6)*. *Examples of experience at the next lower grade level includes, but not limited to: Assignment: Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions. Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. KSA's: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings; Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination; Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures; Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation; Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts others. Assignment. The Advanced MST assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to, open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room. Reviews manufacturer guidelines to ensure the correct methods and parameters are followed when cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing RME. Troubleshoots and analyzes mechanical failures and makes necessary adjustments to complex decontamination and sterilization equipment, as well as interprets alarm conditions which may occur while operating the equipment. Informs management and healthcare staff when cleaning and processing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or instruction for use have been changed or updated to assure the changes have been validated to meet all guidelines. Deviations a. The appointing official may, under unusual circumstances, approve reasonable deviations to the grade determination requirements for Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) in VHA whose composite record of accomplishments, performance, and qualifications, as well as current assignments warrant such action based on demonstrated competence to meet the requirements of the proposed grade. b. The placement of individuals in grade levels not described in this standard must be approved by the Under Secretary for Health, or designee in THA Central Office. Preferred Experience: Sterile processing service experience required. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-47 Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Frequently required to lift packages weighing 50 pounds and push carts weighing up to 300 pounds for distances up to 2,640 feet. The incumbent may be exposed to infected and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on Medical Center needs. AGE, DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL NEEDS OF PATIENTS. Provides care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients being served, and which is appropriate to the cognitive; emotional, and chronological maturation of the patient. Assesses data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age- specific needs and to provide care needed as described in the services' policies and procedures. Takes into consideration age-related differences of the various veteran populations with this institution. The incumbent must demonstrate the knowledge of the changes associated with aging and possess the ability to provide care/support based upon age related factors. Ensures staff receives training in these categories.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Huntington VA Medical Center 1540 Spring Valley Drive Huntington, WV 25704 US
• Name: Jennifer Darling
• Email: [email protected]